According to Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston, cataracts are the main cause of vision loss among the 55+ adults. The cataract is a cloud that progresses inside the eye across the natural crystalline lens. As it advances, the cloud blocks light to the retina and the result is blurry vision.
Cataract Development
▸ Normal aging promotes the formation of cataracts. Usually if it forms in one eye, the other eye will develop a cataract as well. The lens generally hardens and becomes cloudy. These cataracts are “senile cataracts” that are found in people who are over 50.
▸ Cataracts may be the result of an injury: a sharp blow, electrical burn or extremely high dose of radiation.
▸ Certain medications can cause cloudy lens. This group includes steroids.
▸ Sometimes, a disease is the culprit, such as diabetes.
▸ Doctors report rare cases of cataracts in children. It is usually inherited if the mother had diabetes during pregnancy.
Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts
A person may not know the cataract is developing if vision is not blurry. Several signs tell you that a cataract is affecting your vision:
▸ Blurry, hazy or foggy vision
▸ Night vision problems
▸ Light and/or glare sensitivity
▸ Need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
▸ One eye with double vision
Part 2 will be available soon